MADISON – One determined person in Madison is following a mantra that also has great resolve: “When we’re done, cancer will have nightmares.”

Linda Rickabaugh is participating in the 2022 Great Cycle Challenge. She will pedal on her bicycle for 350 miles throughout September to make a difference or, in her words, “to kick cancer’s butt!”

This year marks Rickabaugh’s third time to ride. “Last year, I raised over $5,000, and I felt awesome! My interactions with all my donors were so fulfilling and heartwarming, and I want to do it again,” she said.

“There’s no reason why, in this high-tech day and age, that we are still seeing our precious children losing the fight against cancer. I want to do all I can to prevent that from happening,” Rickabaugh said.

Rickabaugh encourages residents to consider donating “to give these kids the brighter futures they deserve. Your support will change little lives.”

The need for research is imperative because cancer is the major killer of children in the United States. “On average, 38 kids die of cancer every week. This is horrible. Kids should be living life — not fighting for it,” Rickabaugh said.

Rickabaugh will ride in memory of Peter Schmitt. “Pete was one of my older brothers — he was no. 7 out of 12 kids. He died of lung cancer and complications thereof. Unfortunately, he is proof that smoking kills.”

“All funds that I raise will support Children’s Cancer Research Fund to continue their work in developing innovative treatments and finding a cure for childhood cancer,” she said.

When a person like Rickabaugh accepts the Great Cycle Challenge, the first step is setting a personal ride target to pedal in September. The volunteer logs miles throughout the month and tracks progress online with a personal challenge page.

Who can participate? “All ages. All fitness levels. Any location across the United States,” Rickabaugh said. “Your goal could be 25 miles, 250 miles or 1,000 miles. There’s no minimum. It’s your challenge; ride it your way.”

Volunteers also “spread the word” to friends and relatives. They tell everyone about the challenge to fight children’s cancer. “Ask them to support you by making a donation through your challenge page and fundraise to support childhood cancer research and save little lives,” Rickabaugh said.

Linda’s link to the Great Cycle Challenge is Greatcyclechallenge.com/riders/lindarickabaugh. For more information, visit greatcyclechallenge.com.